C1B42 – Expert (M/F) in experimental development.
New
- IT in FTC
- 6 mounth
- BAC+5
This offer is available in English version
This offer is open to people with a document recognizing their status as a disabled worker.
Offer at a glance
The Unit
Astrophysique Relativiste, Théories, Expériences, Metrologie, Instrumentation, Signaux
Contract Type
IT in FTC
Working hHours
Full Time
Workplace
06304 NICE
Contract Duration
6 mounth
Date of Hire
01/06/2026
Remuneration
Between €3,175 and €3,437 gross.
Apply Application Deadline : 13 May 2026 23:59
Job Description
Missions
Responsibility for the Pre-Stabilized Laser (PSL) subsystem within the Virgo project, including the development, installation, and maintenance of the laser system at the detector site. Participation in laser developments for third-generation gravitational-wave detectors is also envisioned. The individual will be part of the "Lasers and Cavities" team and assigned to the Virgo project.
Activity
The Research Engineer will primarily take full charge of the PSL subsystem, which involves: Implementing laser system upgrade projects: (i) designing and testing new laser systems in accordance with Virgo upgrade projects; (ii) planning different project phases; (iii) installing and maintaining laser systems used by the interferometer on-site.
Participating in the commissioning of the detector.
Conducting missions to the experiment site in Pisa, Italy, and participating in meetings for the Virgo Collaboration / VirgoLab / International Gravitational-wave Network (IGWN). Contributing to developments regarding future laser systems for 3rd generation gravitational-wave detectors. The Research Engineer may also provide technical support for experimental studies within the "Lasers and Cavities" team concerning 3rd generation detectors: Work on quantum aspects in detectors, including the demonstration of quantum radiation pressure noise and the generation of "bright squeezing". Generation and control of higher-order propagation modes for the reduction of internal thermal noise in mirrors. Study of parametric instabilities that limit power increases in advanced detectors and implementing methods to eliminate them.
Your Profil
Skills
Skills
Main Competencies
The candidate (holding an engineering degree or a PhD in physics or applied physics) must demonstrate skills in interferometric optics and in-depth knowledge of metrology.
Appreciated knowledge and practice in:
Photonics/Lasers
Analog and digital electronics
Signal processing
Interfacing experimental setups
Drafting scientific procedure documents & project management
Professional Environment Knowledge
Safety, specifically laser safety.
Operational Know-how
Cleanroom work and particulate contamination control.
Language Skills
Proficiency in English (reading, speaking, writing) is required; drafting documents in English will be recurrent.
Proficiency in French is appreciated.
Soft Skills
Frequent teamwork with researchers, technicians, and engineers from ARTEMIS, the Côte d'Azur Observatory, and Virgo collaboration partners.
Participation in frequent meetings with collaboration partners and industrial actors.
Tools – Software Used
Optical design software (notably Zemax), structural and thermal calculation software (ANSYS, COMSOL), and interfacing software (Labview).
Evolution Trends
The primary evolution will be effective participation in the construction of the Einstein Telescope project following its acceptance by European authorities.
Your Work Environment
-Context
The ARTEMIS laboratory was created around the theme of gravitational waves and their detection, contributing to the Virgo, LISA, Einstein Telescope, and MIGA projects. The laboratory was a pioneer in developing the Virgo detector in Pisa, Italy, which, alongside the American LIGO detectors, has contributed to numerous gravitational-wave observations. For instance, in the case of detection GW170817, the precision of the source direction estimation obtained with three detectors allowed for the observation of optical counterparts, enabling the identification of the wave's source.
Within the Advanced Virgo+ project, the laboratory is responsible for the high-power laser source circulating in the giant 3 km interferometer. This is the framework for recruiting a Research Engineer specialized in laser interferometry. The recruit will work in an environment ranging from interferometer physics to gravitational-wave source detection, compact object astrophysics, modeling, cosmology, metrology, and laser stabilization.
The work will be conducted within the "Lasers and Cavities" team, which is responsible for the PSL sub-system, integrated into the ARTEMIS Virgo group and the newly established VirgoLab structure.
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
Between €3,175 and €3,437 gross.
Annual leave and RTT
44 jours
Remote Working practice and compensation
Pratique et indemnisation du TT
Transport
Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€
About the offer
| Offer reference | UMR7250-ANGGUI-007 |
|---|---|
| Line of business | Engineering Sciences and Scientific Instrumentation |
| Job Type | Experimentation Development Expert |
About the CNRS
The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.
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